NT fires

Bundaberg 'could take months to recover'

Many businesses have been unable to open because residents could not leave their isolated homes.

ABC News

The Bundaberg Chamber of Commerce says the flood damage in the south-east Queensland city may see businesses closed for months.

Many businesses were inundated and many have been unable to open because residents could not leave their isolated homes.

Chamber president Dion Taylor says waters are starting to recede, but it could still be a long time before trading resumes.

"Some of those businesses that have unfortunately been affected by the water, by the time the water has gone, the insurance claims are paid and work is back into order, we might end up being a couple of months before some businesses are back in full trade," he said.

The Bundaberg Regional Council says the region's rural sector has been hard hit by the flooding.